Rejected by Singapore Police, Accepted into Australia Police

This is a story of a Singaporean who calls himself Anfieldknight(AK), which is totally fine by me as it appears that we both support the same football club. Like myself, AK migrated to Australia sometime ago to seek his own life but he settled down in Melbourne instead. The group of us followed his amazing story faithfully over the years. You can read his [beginnings] which he kindly contributed to me last year and again, a recent update of his hard work that paid off after I begged him to share an account of. I am very happy for him and wish him good luck.

I encourage you to share this, because I hope more Singaporeans will be inspired by the unyielding spirit of AK, who kept his dream up after Singapore quashed it and chased his aspirations all the way to the far east of Australia.

Thank you AK, for sharing.

GUEST BLOGGER

Anfield Knight

28 April 2016

Hello Nix,

It’s me again. Anfieldknight. It’s been almost a year since I shared my brief experience on your blog.

I simply can’t believe that life takes different path from what you have planned.

Fast forward now, it’s now March 2016.

Within this time frame, unexpected stories unfolded.

I had managed to attend 3 interviews for IT related jobs while working as a casual position in a concierge department in the same popular hotel. That was somewhere first half of last year.

I didn’t manage to get any of them. For one of them I had succeeded to attend the third and final interview for a big MNC. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear from them again.

I was devastated. I had hopes of reviving my IT knowledge and skills in that MNC Company. Nothing worked. All I had was the casual job at the hotel to get me going. Wife and my 2 kids are depending on me.

Vexed. But still, I didn’t regret coming here. Even one bit.

As I was getting better in talkie-talkie, thanks to the people skills from the hotel, I almost managed to land a job in COLES as a customer service as a part-timer with guaranteed hours. But it was me who rejected the post when they called me.

Everyone knows when opportunity arrives, you must be smart to grab it or lose out completely or regret and cry when you taking a crap.

Why did I reject it? Was it because I was stubborn to penetrate into IT industry here? Or was I choosy?

Nix… I am letting in a little secret. This may help others who want to take a big leap if they want to.

While I am still getting accustomed in Australia, I applied for Protective Services Officer (PSO) position with Victoria Police in Oct 2014, one month after I have landed here. I gave it a shot and just simply tried my luck.

In summary, they are Police from the Transit Unit safeguarding all Metro stations in Victoria.

Fast-forward now to 2016 March… I have now graduated from the Victoria Police Academy as a fully qualified PSO. This journey was… Exceptional… Emotional… Memorable.

It took me 8 months to enter into the Academy. Some even waited more than 1 year. Some even 1.5 years. So I was lucky.

I still remember. I was rejected by Singapore Police Force when I wanted to join as a regular.

Rejected by ICA for applying Customs Officer.

Rejected by MOM for applying a job where it requires interacting with foreign workers.

The irony.

It may or may not trigger an interest to any readers here but I will list out what I have done to end up where I am now.

Make sure you have at least $1.5K to pay for all these and KEEP THE RECEIPTS! They will be useful to do your next year’s Tax File Claim.

Please be prepared Physically and Mentally. Nothing is a walk in the park.

Step 1

Application

Yes. Start applying. Use that index finger of yours to click on the apply button. Fill up those details.

-Personal Details

-Employment History

-Education History

-History of Prior Offences and Police Dealings.

That’s about it. Sit back and wait for a good news from them. If you are unlucky, I am sorry. But at least you tried.

Step 2

Exams

Yup. Exams. That’s what Singaporeans are good at. Scoring points where necessary. This is like IELTS + Aptitude and need some quick brain cells to answers questions in little time given.

1. - Verbal Reasoning Assessment

2. - Numerical Reasoning Assessment

3. - Abstract Reasoning Assessment

4. - MCQ English Skills Test

5. - Summary Writing Assessment

6. - Extended Writing Assessment

7. - Oral Communications Assessment

8. - Computer Skills Assessment

If you can score for these sets of exams, you are on your way to the next part of the process.

Step 3

Background Checks

The name itself is self-explanatory. They will start conducting checks on all of your previous history. Companies you worked for in Australia will be crucial. This is also where they will call you for a telephone interview to see how interested you are. If you are not, please hang up and start playing your PS3/Xbox.

Step 4

Communications

They will now call you up for communications test. This is where you have to start talking on a walkie-talkie and see how well and clear you speak in the radio. It will be good to know your Alphabet codes. Start practicing. Alpha… Bravo.. Charlie…

And please.. No Lahs and Lors wokay.

Step 5

Fitness Test

Yawn. If you can clear you IPPT back then, then this will be a breeze. Nothing to see here. No wait… If you have put on extra pounds, then start working out.

Just check their website for details on the set of tests below.

- - Beep Test (5.1 minimum)

- - Agility Test (within 20 secs)

- - Grip Test

- - 5 push-ups

- - Prone bridge

- - Obstacle Climb (1.3m)

Step 6

Health Checks

Similar to PR Application process, you have to clear the medical portion here. You have to go for Urine Test, Eye Test, Ear test and Full body check up.

Before they send you the email, you have to start booking for all these tests yourself to save time. You have to submit all these within a specific time and will be stated in the email. You will receive the Medical Booklet after you have passed the Fitness test.

A little tip. Start booking for these appointments after your Step 4 has been successfully cleared.

Step 7

Psych Test

This is pretty interesting. You have to sit for the Psychology test consisting approximately 1000 questions. That’s right. Approx. 1000. It will take about 2 hours.

Happy sitting for the Psych test straight after your Fitness test.

Step 8

Psych Interview

Don’t think just because you have declared yourself as not insane, you are about to face grueling 1.5 hours of up and very personal interview with the psychology unit. Prepare to tell your stories, your family history and whatever you have in your back of your mind.

Step 9

Panel Interview

Congratulations if you have deemed “Not a Psycho” by Victoria Police. This will be Grand Final. The Super Bowl. The UEFA Champions League.

It can be nerve wrecking. They will be asking some tricky but logic questions. All you have to do is to Keep Calm and don’t crap in your pants.

Once you have shook the hands of the interviewing Inspectors, leave and don’t turn back. Don’t pass GO. Head straight back home and lie on your bathtub. Have a warm bubble bath.

Step 10

Conclusion

If you are successful, you will receive the GOLDEN phone call. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thank you for finishing the Part 1 of your journey.

Now all you have to do is to complete Part 2 of your Journey in the Academy itself.

If you are now in the Academy, prepare to spend 3 months doing Law exams and Practical assessments. Be prepared to talk in front of your class. Be prepared to face the stress of studying and balancing family life. This will change your future. Trust me.

I had to stay in although it’s not compulsory. The grueling 2 hours journey back home, stuck in traffic, had me considered staying in.

This was the biggest sacrifice. For 3 months, my wife had to manage and somehow she did. I had to study for exams on weekends when I am at home. Group study with mates on weekdays in the Academy.

What I have written here is just tip of the lighted cigarette. Thanks to Nix’s blog, I am sharing my experience to those who may be interested. It could be useful for those who may think otherwise.

It can be done. It can be achieved. Victoria Police is Multi-Cultural. They are open-minded. They are unlike what you experience back home.

I am truly speechless for what has happened to me. Things happen for a reason. A friend of mine said, “Singapore may need you. But Australia really wants you.”

This is one part of my journey. I have no control of my future. But I hope to be ready in any circumstance that may arise.

If a country can trust a PR like me to police and interact with the community, I can be sure that I will give my 100% if needed. So can you!

"I left the door unlocked so that you can come in because I love you so much."

- Albany, 21/11/2016

Emails 2017

Hi Nix,

I came across your interesting blog and wish to ask on your honest opinion.

Do you think it's a good idea to pay 6 months worth of house rental in advanced to secure a place to stay before we go over. Our situation makes it a little difficult to look for one in Darwin with 2 dogs that we couldn't leave behind. And we don't have a job there yet. Oh, we have gotten a 489 visa. And we are intending to move somewhere in June with our 2 dogs and an almost 2 year old kid.

Appreciate your intake on this.

Thanks a lot!

Hi Elaine,

The housing market is currently quite depressed so it should not be difficult to find rental properties. I don't think it is a good idea to pay 6 months in advance at all. You shouldn't find it a problem to get one. If you face any difficulties, let me know the details and see if I can give you ideas.

Hi,

Saw your blog while searching on Singaporean based overseas and hopeful can meet a bunch of you all if i ever go over eventually.

For myself after looking at migrating or completing the process before i do not have enough points to qualify.

Basing on my current situation, it seems since my CV is leaning towards the marketing and financial field. Which in this case seems only Adelaide and Darwin is the only option for Subclass 190.

Do you know any fellow Singaporeans based in either place?

Anyway, for me is more towards wanting a more laid back life and changing the environment. Ideal situation would be to work another 10 years before settling with a small farm land in the country in Aussie. But my worry is whether i would be able to secure a job in Aussie especially with my advance in age 38?

Lastly, any good advice for a frog in the well on his migration journey to aussie?

Many thanks in advance

Regards

Stanley

Hi Stanley,

If you cannot qualify for skilled migration on points, you will not be able to work here, unless you find an employer who is willing to hire you for your skill set and apply for a work visa for you. It is unlikely in this economic climate but may be your only chance.

Dear NIx,

Good day!

I have been reading your blog and decided to migrate to Australia.

I have been researching on how to go about migrating to Australia and unfortunately, I seem to have hit a road block, thus writing this email to seek your advice on which type of visa should i apply.

I will be turning 36 next year. BE Chemical Engineering from UNSW (Stayed in Sydney for 2.5 years and graduated in 2008). Msc in Maritime Studies from NTU (Graduating in June 2017). Currently working as a Business Development Manager in the Shipping Industry. I have also attached my CV for your reference.

I am confident of getting 60 points in the Points Test BUT my current job is not on the SOL list.

My mother's cousin is a PR in Australia and she and her family are living in Perth (I do not know whether this information helps)

I was thinking of taking part time courses in ITE in Electrical Wiring, Residential Plumbing or Air Conditioning and Refrigeration since these jobs are on the SOL list.

Any advice will be really appreciated.

Regards,

Colin Soh

Dear Colin,

First thing first, I would like to know how you qualify for 60 points in the Points Test. Will you be able to provide a breakdown ?

*Please note that if your occupation is not on the SOL, you will not be able to claim points for work experience nor academic qualifications.

Hey buddy!

Was scrolling through and landed on your site. Loved the Art of Survival; plain, blunt yet simple.

I'm a local Sporean dude and just got my PR. Currently workin on contract job and planning to move down under. I realise getting a job in Oz from Spore isn't gonna be easy. Thought of giving it a try since its been just a month. Plan B is to just move and get an unpaid internship for 3 mths. Any advise?

Kind regards,

Hi dude,

To be honest, I don't have a single clue about unpaid internship or anything like that. If you manage to get one of those, I will appreciate if you can let us know the details so we can all learn from you.

I apologise for being painfully obvious but if you find it hard to find a job in Australia from Singapore, then come here and look!

Hello,

My name is Adam and I cam across your blog about migrating to Australia. I would love some advice or experience that you can share with me with regards to my questions.

First of all, I am a US bachelor grad in Mechanical Engineering and worked in the US for 2.5 years. I am a Chinese Malaysian and I'm 25 years old by March (2017). Do you have any ideas or suggestions on migrating to Australia? The subclass 189 doesn't allow me to accumulate enough points because of my work experience did not meet the requirement of 3 years which I was told that usually the Australia immigration officer pay the most attention to. If you disagree with that statement, I would like to hear your advice on that.

The other way I thought is by studying my Masters degree there and while studying, I could think of an idea to set up a business there. Didn't research much into this path but if you have experience with this path, I appreciate a lot if you are willing to share.

Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon,

Regards,

Adam

Hi Adam,

It sounds really simple. Choose the path of least resistance. Work for 3 years to gain your 60 points then! You'll need the funds to relocate anyway.